SBI PO Exam Pattern 2024, Prelims and Mains

The State Bank of India is all set to conduct its much-anticipated examination for the recruitment of Probationary Officers (PO) in 2024. To succeed in this competitive exam, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the SBI PO Exam Pattern 2024, which includes both the SBI PO prelims and & Mains pattern. A solid grasp of the exam structure will enable you to plan your preparation effectively and move one step closer to achieving your dream job. In this blog, we provide a comprehensive overview of the SBI PO Exam Pattern 2024, ensuring you are well-prepared to face every phase of the selection process.

Comprehensive Overview of the SBI PO Exam Pattern for 2024

The SBI PO 2024 exam pattern 2024 will be a well-structured three-tiered process. The selection process begins with the Preliminary Round, a qualifying stage that assesses basic aptitude and reasoning and English comprehension skills. Candidates shortlisted after this phase will move on to the Mains round, which shall delve deeper into advanced reasoning, data interpretation, and banking and financial awareness, alongside a descriptive test. Finally, candidates who qualify this round will be invited for Phase III, which will include the Group Exercise and Interview Round, aimed at assessing communication skills, teamwork, and overall suitability for the role.

Here is the detailed breakdown of the three-phase process:

• Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type) (100 Marks)
• Stage 2: Main Examination (Objective + Descriptive – 250 Marks)
• Stage 3: Interview + Group Exercise (50 Marks)

The aggregate marks obtained in the Mains (Phase II) and Phase III will be combined to prepare the final merit list.

SBI PO 2024 Exam Syllabus

Detailed Insights into SBI PO 2024 Prelims Exam Pattern & Structure

The Preliminary Examination marks the first and qualifying phase of the SBI PO 2024 selection process. Performing well in this stage is crucial to securing a spot in the Mains Examination and continuing your journey toward the final selection.

Below are the key highlights of SBI PO 2024 Prelims round:

• The Prelims of the SBI PO exam 2024 will be qualifying in nature.
• Marks obtained in this round will not be considered to prepare the final merit list.
• There will be no sectional cutoff; therefore, you'll only need to meet the overall cutoff to proceed to the mains round.
• However, there will be a sectional time limit of 20 minutes for each section.
• There will be a penalty of 1/4th marks for every incorrect answer marked in the Objective Test.
• Approximately 10 times the number of vacancies in each category will be shortlisted for the Main Examination, based on the Prelims merit list.

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In-Depth Analysis of SBI PO 2024 Mains Exam Pattern & Key Components

The Mains round is the most critical stage in the SBI PO selection process, as the marks you secure in this round will directly contribute to the final merit list. Performing well in this round is essential to secure your place among the selected candidates. Since the questions asked in this phase are of a higher difficulty level, rigorous practice with high-quality questions is a must to excel.

Here are the key insights into the SBI PO 2024 Mains round:

• The Objective Test will have a total duration of 3 hours, divided into 4 sections carrying a combined total of 200 marks.
• Each section will have a separate time limit, and you cannot switch between sections during the allotted time.
• A penalty of 1/4th marks will be applied for every incorrect answer in the Objective Test, meaning 25% of the marks for that question will be deducted.
• A category-wise merit list will be created based on the aggregate marks scored in the Mains Examination (Phase-II).
• Approximately 3 times the number of category-wise vacancies will be shortlisted for Phase-III (Group Exercise & Interview).
• There will be no sectional cutoff for this phase as well; only the overall performance will be considered.

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SBI PO 2024 Phase III

The Phase-III of SBI PO 2024 comprise of the following:

I. Psychometric Test: The SBI PO Psychometric Test is a personality assessment designed to evaluate whether you possess the desired skills and traits required for the role of a Probationary Officer. This test will be conducted for candidates shortlisted for Phase III (Group Exercise & Interview) and is aimed at creating a personality profile. The findings from the psychometric test may be shared with the interview panel to give them a well-rounded perspective of your personality and suitability for the role. This test helps ensure that you are the right fit for the challenging and dynamic responsibilities of a Probationary Officer.

II. Group Exercise:  This is an important part of the final round in the SBI PO selection process. It helps assess your ability to work in a team, demonstrate leadership, and communicate effectively. The GD is conducted with a group of 8-10 candidates, and you will be assigned a specific topic to discuss.

Here are the key aspects of the SBI PO Group Discussion:

• Discussion Format: A group of 8-10 candidates is given a topic to discuss. This could be related to current affairs, social issues, or banking topics.
• Skill Evaluation: Your communication skills, leadership qualities, and teamwork abilities will be closely evaluated. How well you contribute to the discussion and engage with other candidates matters.
• Focus Areas for Evaluation: The panel will assess how effectively you articulate your views, present logical arguments, and listen actively to others. Your ability to respect others’ opinions and contribute constructively is key.
• Confidence & Clarity: You will also be judged on your confidence and the clarity with which you express your thoughts.

III. Personal Interview: The SBI PO 2024 interview is the final stage of the selection process, where your personality, communication skills, general awareness, and suitability for the Probationary Officer role will be evaluated. Be prepared to discuss current banking trends, your experiences, and how you would handle various situations as a bank officer in this round.

SBI PO 2024 Notification

Understanding the Interview Process for SBI PO Candidates in 2024

The SBI PO 2024 Interview process is a critical part of the final selection process and plays a significant role in evaluating your suitability for the role of Probationary Officer. This round is designed to assess your overall personality, confidence, general awareness, and how well you would fit into the demanding responsibilities of a PO.

Key aspects of the SBI PO 2024 Interview process include:

1. Panel Interview: You will face a panel of 5 or more members, usually consisting of senior officials from the bank. The panel will ask questions to gauge your skills, knowledge, and personality.
2. First Impressions: It is essential to dress in formal attire. Your appearance should reflect your professionalism and seriousness about the position.
3. Knowledge of Banking Sector: The panel will expect you to have a good understanding of general awareness, especially related to the banking sector, current financial trends, and the role of a probationary officer in the bank. Be prepared to answer questions about recent banking developments, government schemes, and economic policies.
4. Self-Presentation: The personal interview is heavily focused on how you present yourself. This includes how well you articulate your thoughts, respond to questions, and showcase your communication skills. Confidence is key to crack this round
5. Behavioral and Situational Questions: The interview might also include questions that test your decision-making skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle various situations, particularly under pressure.

Complete Guide to the Final Selection for SBI PO 2024

To make it to the final selection of SBI PO 2024, you need to qualify in both Phase-II (Mains) and Phase-III (Group Discussion & Interview) separately. Your marks from the Main Examination (Phase-II), which includes both the Objective Test and the Descriptive Test, will be normalized and added to the marks from the Group Discussion & Interview (Phase-III) to create the final merit list as described below:
 

To effectively prepare for the upcoming SBI PO 2024 exam and get a strong grip on both the SBI PO Prelims and Mains exam patterns, it's crucial to practice with Smartkeeda SBI PO 2024 mock tests. These mock tests are meticulously crafted after analyzing the latest examination pattern as well as the last 10 years of SBI PO papers. By taking these tests, you’ll not only become familiar with the structure of the exam but also sharpen your problem-solving skills, improve time management, and boost your confidence. Smartkeeda's mock tests will help you identify your strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring you're well-prepared for the actual exam.